Factors Contributing To Poor Perfomance Of Mathematics in public secondary schools in Suna West Constituency, Migori county.

Abstract

1 ABSTRACT. The central problem of this study was that despite the critical role of science education in promoting scientific and technological development, students’ performance in these subjects is quite dismal. Factors leading to this dismal performance have not been adequately investigated and well understood, hence hindering development of science education in students’ performance in mathematics and science subjects at K.C.S.E level in selected secondary schools in Migori County. The study sampled schools using purposive sampling techniques using the criteria of boarding status and type of school (boys, girls or mixed.). From the sampled schools, an equal number of students (30) were selected from each form four class and four science teachers per school yielding a total of 120form four students and 10 mathematics teachers. Data was collected using a questionnaire for students and an interview schedule for teachers. An observation checklist was used to investigate the type of teaching strategies employed in teaching mathematics and science subjects in the selected schools. The study revealed that school based factors such as teaching method, inadequate teaching /learning materials, teachers workload and socio-cultural factors such as religious factors, circumcision and early marriage affected mathematics performance in Suna West Constituency.